In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

 

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

 

We are to compete with one another in good works.  Allah says: “And vie with one another to attain to your Sustainer’s forgiveness and to a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who are God-conscious.” (Aal `Imran 3:133)

 

Allah describes the messengers (our role models): “They were ever in the habit of vying with one another in doing good works and calling upon Us in fear and hope.” (Al-Anbiya 21:90)

 

So, hastening and vying with one another in doing good works is the true hallmark of a believer. While doing so, it is natural for us to be envious of those who beat us into them. That natural feeling of jealousy is fine as long as we wish none harm to the person; instead we feel jealous of him or her to be like him or her.

 

The poor companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) felt jealous of the rich Muslims: they were doing all the good works they themselves were doing and on top of them they also give charity out of their wealth. So, being jealous, they approached the Prophet saying: “The rich people have swept away all the rewards; they pray as we do; and fast as we do and on top of these, they also give charity out of their wealth. The Prophet asked, Didn’t Allah appoint for you such good works which if you were to do consistently you will catch up with them….” (Muslim)

 

So, you have a valid reason to be envious of those who excel in good works. However, that should never lead you to wish them any harm. Instead, you ought to ask: can I also do things whereby I can catch up with them. Follow the above advice of the Prophet and commit yourself to doing good works  – as much as you can, in the given the circumstances in your life.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.